Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision as a restaurant supervisor.

Restaurant Supervisor Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

One difficult decision I made as a restaurant supervisor was when I had to fire a long-time employee who was consistently showing up late and had a negative attitude. It was a tough decision because this employee had been with the company for many years and had a good relationship with other staff members. However, their behavior was affecting the team morale and customer service. I had to have a conversation with the employee, explaining the reasons for the termination and how it was impacting the overall functioning of the restaurant. It was challenging, but ultimately necessary for the success of the team.

A more solid answer

As a restaurant supervisor, I faced a challenging decision when one of my long-time employees consistently showed up late and had a negative attitude. This employee had been with the company for over five years and had built strong relationships with other staff members. However, their behavior was affecting the team's morale and overall customer service. I decided to address the issue by having a one-on-one conversation with the employee, ensuring that they understood the impact of their actions on the team. I provided specific examples of instances where their lateness caused disruptions and how their negative attitude affected customer interactions. Through active listening and open communication, I allowed the employee to express their concerns and frustrations. However, it became clear that their behavior was unlikely to change, and it was necessary to terminate their employment. I worked closely with HR to ensure that the termination process was handled professionally and with compassion. Although it was a difficult decision, it was crucial to prioritize the well-being of the team and the quality of service we provided to our customers.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more details and demonstrating the candidate's leadership and decision-making abilities. The answer includes specific actions taken to address the issue, such as having a one-on-one conversation and providing examples. It also highlights the candidate's conflict resolution capabilities by mentioning active listening and allowing the employee to express their concerns. However, it can further improve by providing more information on how the decision impacted the team and customer service.

An exceptional answer

As a restaurant supervisor, I encountered a challenging situation when one of my long-time employees consistently showed up late and displayed a negative attitude. Recognizing the impact of this behavior on team morale and customer service, I took a comprehensive approach to address the issue. First, I meticulously documented instances of lateness and customer complaints related to the employee's attitude, gathering concrete evidence to support my decision-making process. Next, I initiated a series of one-on-one meetings with the employee to discuss their performance and offer support or guidance. During these discussions, I actively listened to their concerns and frustrations, providing them with a safe space to express their thoughts. However, despite these efforts, it became evident that the employee's behavior was unlikely to change, posing a significant risk to the overall functioning of the restaurant. With the support of HR, I made the difficult decision to terminate their employment. Throughout this process, I ensured open communication with the rest of the team, explaining the reasons behind the decision and emphasizing our commitment to maintaining a positive work environment. The termination was conducted professionally and with compassion, with a focus on preserving the employee's dignity. This decision had a profound impact on the team, resulting in improved morale, stronger collaboration, and enhanced customer service. It also served as a clear message to other employees that their commitment to punctuality and a positive attitude was essential for the success of the restaurant. Reflecting on this experience, I recognize the significance of balancing empathy with decisive action in difficult decision-making scenarios.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer further expands on the solid answer by providing additional details and showcasing the candidate's ability to gather evidence, initiate one-on-one meetings, and effectively communicate with the team. It emphasizes the impact of the decision on team morale, collaboration, and customer service. Additionally, it highlights the candidate's ability to balance empathy with decisive action. The answer demonstrates strong leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution capabilities.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on previous difficult decisions you have made as a restaurant supervisor and identify the specific skills and qualities you applied in those situations.
Consider the potential challenges and conflicts that may arise in a restaurant supervisory role and think about how you would approach and resolve them.
Review your knowledge of restaurant operations, including food safety regulations, customer service standards, and financial acumen, as these may be relevant in decision-making scenarios.
Develop your communication and active listening skills to effectively address and resolve conflicts with employees.
Practice providing clear and concise explanations for difficult decisions, highlighting the impact on team dynamics and customer service.

What interviewers are evaluating

Leadership and team management
Problem-solving and decision-making
Conflict resolution capabilities